The Agfa-Gevaert Group has announced that it will acquire Inca Digital Printers, a UK-based manufacturer of flatbed inkjet printing technology which is part of the Screen Graphic Solutions Group and distributed globally through Fujifilm, subject to meeting and obtaining customary conditions and approvals.
Reports that Fujifilm will no longer resell the Inca range have been published and Sprinter has reached out to Fujifilm Australia to confirm these statements.
Most recently, Omnigraphics Australia installed an Inca Onset X3 in August last year, which it purchased from Fujifilm Australia.
Agfa-Gevaert said the acquisition strengthens its position in high-speed digital printing and brings an additional focus on packaging printing markets.
“The Inca acquisition is a major step in Agfa’s transformation. Digital printing is a profitable growth engine for the group with a tremendous potential that will be further accelerated by the addition of Inca,” Agfa-Gevaert Group president and CEO Pascal Juéry said.
Inca Digital Printers CEO and CTO Stephen Tunnicliffe-Wilson said Inca is an ideal partner for Agfa as they bring together a complementary portfolio of printing solutions and creates a strong technological platform to launch robust, single pass printing presses for the packaging market.
The acquisition also encompasses the portfolio of existing high-speed multi-pass printers, including a strong service organisation, a newly designed line of single pass printers for several packaging applications, as well as a joint development of a customised in-line print engine in collaboration with corrugated manufacturer BHS Corrugated.
“The acquisition by Agfa allows us to combine our technological knowhow and will enable us to become a leading digital packaging press manufacturer worldwide. Our new parent has shown long term commitment to the digital printing market and we are extremely proud and look forward to becoming part of the Agfa family,” Tunnicliffe-Wilson said.
Agfa digital print and chemicals division president Vincent Wille said, “The combination of Inca Digital’s manufacturing knowhow and Agfa’s technical expertise, worldwide presence and excellent service networks will allow us to bring unparalleled printing solutions to our customers and to adapt seamlessly to their needs in this rapidly evolving space.
“This investment leverages and strengthens our position in the high-end and high-speed wide format market as a whole and specifically in the promising packaging segment.”
Agfa-Gevaert Oceania has also been contacted by Sprinter for comment.
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